Proudly supported by New Zealand supplied by Vicky Graham, President Around the regions — Waikato The Waikato region stretches over a large area (around 25,000 When people ask me what makes a good Canine Friends , I can square kms). Currently our figures for volunteers are 67 visiting, only say it is something special beyond any specific breed and to six non-visiting, four to be assessed, four to be placed, and seven prove the point, as you can see from the list below, we have a huge on hold. There were over 45 new volunteer dogs assessed in the variety of dogs working in the region: Waikato last year. Last year our group activities included an invitation to attend an Our volunteers visit over 75 facilities located across Cambridge, Animal Blessing at Scots Church on St Francis’s Day — our furry Hamilton, Matamata, Morrinsville, Ohaupo, Otorohanga, Paeroa, friends were keen to get inside for their blessing (and maybe to Putaruru, Raglan, Taurmarunui, Te Aroha, Te Awamtu, Te Kauwhata, see the real live calf on the altar), with most refusing to cooperate Te Kuiti, Thames, Tokoroa, Waihi, Whangamata and Whitianga. by posing for a group photo! I have been the Liaison Officer for around two years now. I am grateful Our volunteers had a successful and rewarding visit with students to Liz Scott, who looks after the many local assessments, and Christine (around 12 in wheelchairs) on our annual group visit to the Inclusive Neilson, who takes assessments for those to the east of the region. Unit at Hillcrest High School. Students made two kinds of special Christine Johnson accompanies any new volunteer wanting support ‘healthy’ dog treats for their furry visitors. during their first visit. The re-establishment of a Waikato Facebook page has been a great There are currently over 75 facilities in our area with ever more success in helping us feel more of a community and I hope this will mushrooming and at present, we have volunteers visiting in all continue to grow and that everyone will use and enjoy this resource. but two of those facilities located in Hamilton. We also have three We now have 78 registered Facebook members and it’s wonderful volunteers who make monthly visits to Waikeria Prison (in rotation). to be able to introduce new volunteers, share news and get to know We have volunteers going into seven wards at Waikato Hospital plus one another in such an easy way. Scrolling through the many posts all hospitals in smaller towns now also have furry friend visits. Three and photos, I am filled with admiration for our generous, selfless, of our volunteers work as Reading Buddies under the Hamilton committed volunteers and how they give up their time, sometimes City Council initiative in addition to their regular visiting. Our most travelling some distance just to share the pleasure that their furry requested placement by new volunteers is a hospital, the least friends bring. It’s great to be part of such a wonderful organisation. U requested, dementia units which I have found, often require an Yvette Shore exceptional volunteer. Liaison Officer, Waikato

Akita Spoodle Labrador x2 Staffy Cross Golden Retriever x3 Labrador/Retriever Staffy/Bull Terrier Beagle Greyhound Leonberger x2 Spoodle Bearded x2 Havanese Long Haired Shepherd Standard Sheepdog /Labrador Heeler/Staffy Maltese/Foxy Tibetan Spaniel Bernese Mountain dog x2 Highland Terrier Maltese/Sydney Silky Border Collie x4 Hungarian Vizsla Mini Schnauzer x2 Weimaraner Boxer x3 Poodle x2 Welsh Corgi Cavoodle Huntaway/Smithfield Collie Schnoodle Westie Cavoodle/Bichon Husky/Border Collie Shitzu/Cavoodle Chihauhau Jack Russell Shitzu/Poodle Collie Cross x2 Japanese Spitz SilkyTerrier/Toy Poodle English Springer Spaniel Labradoodle Skye/Poodle

If you and your dog would like to join us, please visit: www.caninefriends.org.nz

22 August 2021 August 2021 23 Founder’s Day Celebrations 2021, Taitua Arboretum So that as many as possible could attend, we had two get-togethers to celebrate our Founder’s Day: Saturday 8 May and Sunday 16 May. Both were wonderful afternoons. The weather was perfect for walking and the company amazing. Although there were not many of us, this worked well. It gave us all a chance to really talk and get to know everyone Proudly supported by Dogs New Zealand else - and even to remember everyone’s names as we wandered through the arboretum which looked absolutely stunning dressed in its autumn colours.

Junior D g Handling

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